Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Once only widespread, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are now considered a full blown, worldwide epidemic. Statistics show that most people have either contracted an STD in their lifetime or know someone who has contracted an STD. With such contagious diseases that are so easily contracted, the chances of becoming infected are now at all-time highs. Outside of abstinence or a long-term, mutually exclusive relationship with a partner who is sexually transmitted disease free, no protection is 100% foolproof. To make matters worse, sexual partners can and often do bend the truth when it comes to disclosing past or present STDs due to shame or embarrassment.

If you’ve contracted an STD from a partner who mislead you or failed to tell you they were infected, attorney Jessica Pride can help you understand your legal options. With the help of an experienced attorney, you won’t have to face this ordeal alone. Call Jessica today for a completely free and confidential consultation at (619) 516-8166.

Disclosing Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections

The disclosure of present Sexually Transmitted Diseases is not only the right thing to do, failure to do so is a crime in most states and punishable by a civil lawsuit. In some states, neglecting to tell your partner about an STD is considered a felony. For citizens of California, a person can be charged with a misdemeanor after exposing an uninformed partner to an STD. In such cases, the victim has legal rights to sue the negligent party under civil law. In instances of an incurable STD, criminal charges may be pursued, while lawsuits of a civil matter will be strengthened by this fact.

After Contracting a Sexually Transmitted Disease

Everyone deserves the right to defend their own quality of life, and you don’t deserve to have that compromised. If you have been harmed by the dishonesty or negligence of a partner, speak to an experienced legal professional to discover what your rights are today. You can regain control of your life, and speaking with Jessica Pride can help.

Speak to a Medical Professional

With their prevalence, you can never be too cautious about STD detection, protection and treatment. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to an STD, contact your healthcare provider immediately to request a diagnosis. While you are awaiting a response from your doctor, try to avoid self-diagnosis or falling down the internet spiral of researching illnesses. If you receive a positive diagnosis from your doctor, it’s important to seek treatment right away, as some symptoms can worsen and the disease can progress the longer you wait. After you’ve sought treatment, Jessica Pride can help guide your next steps and discuss your legal options with you.

Tell Your Partner

If you have been diagnosed with an STD or suspect you have contracted one, it’s critical to let any of your sexual partners who might have been exposed know right away. Telling your partner(s) is not only the right thing to do, it is also required by law. You could also help spare them of the trouble and heartache that you have experienced. Don’t wait to tell them.

Practice Safe Sex

Following your diagnosis of an STD, abstain from sexual activity until you receive medical advice from your doctor. When practicing safe sex, use a condom, dental dam or similar STD protective contraceptives every time. Remember, the safest method to avoid spreading disease is sexual abstinence.

Common Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Many Sexually Transmitted Diseases are asymptomatic, meaning there are often no visible indicators or symptoms. Even if you are asymptomatic, if you are sexually active, be sure to get checked for Sexually Transmitted Diseases on a regular basis. The following diseases are commonly found following an STD screening.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STD that affects both men and women. More than 200,000 cases of Chlamydia in the United States are discovered every year. Although Chlamydia is easy to treat with medication, if left untreated this STD can cause infertility.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a widespread STD that affects more than 3 million individuals in the United States per year. This STD is usually treated with an antibiotic injection or oral antibiotics. Symptoms typically appear within two to fourteen days after exposure, however some people diagnosed with the illness never develop symptoms.

Genital Herpes

A common STD, Genital Herpes affects more than one out of six people aged 14 to 49 in the United States. Most people who contract the virus do not have symptoms. Even without signs of the disease, it is easily spread to sexual partners. Genital herpes can be contracted through contact with: a herpes sore; saliva, genital secretions, or skin infected with oral/genital herpes. The disease can be contracted whether or not your partner has a visible sore.

HIV/AIDS

HIV causes AIDS and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections by destroying white blood cells. This STD is rare. Fewer than 200,000 cases in the United States are discovered each year. Although treatment can help, the illness is chronic and incurable. HIV is spread through unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles or through contact with blood of an infected person.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is the most common STD. About 79 million Americans have a form of HPV, and an additional 14 million are infected each year. In fact, the disease is so common that almost all sexually active people get it at some point during their lives. There are many types of HPV, some types can cause cancers or genital warts. Vaccines are available to prevent these health issues. While HPV can go away on its own, it can also be life-long and incurable. Although there is no treatment to cure the disease, there are treatments for the health problems associated with HPV.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a rare STD that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the US per year. It can have very serious complications when untreated, but is easy to cure with proper treatment. Syphilis is contracted by direct contact with a syphilis sore during sex.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial Vaginosis is a very common STD that affects more than 3 million individuals in the United States per year that most commonly occurs in women aged 15-44. Although it is unknown what causes BV, it is linked to an imbalance of certain bacteria in the vagina and most commonly affects sexually active women. Having BV increases your chances of catching other STDs.

Trichomoniasis

This STD is very common and affects 3.7 million people in the United States. It is caused by an infection from a parasite, and most infected people do not develop symptoms. More common in women than in men, Trichomoniasis affects more older women opposed to younger women. About 70 % of those who have the parasite do not develop symptoms.

Viral Hepatitis

Viral Hepatitis is a very rare STD that affects fewer than 20,000 individuals in the US per year. Hepatitis can be transmitted through sexual activity with an infected person. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing Hepatitis.

Risks and Possible Complications of STDs

STD symptoms and complications are as varied and widespread as their corresponding illnesses. While most STDs are treatable, victims of these diseases often suffer aggressive symptoms. At first, symptoms usually consist of pain around the genitals, unusual discharge, painful urination and skin irritation. But as diseases are left untreated, STDs can develop potentially life-altering complications, including but not limited to:

Pelvic pain

Pregnancy complications

Eye inflammation

Arthritis

Heart Disease

Cancer

Infertility

Remember to get tested regularly, even if you don’t experience symptoms.

Tips to Avoid Catching and Spreading an STD

You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting yourself and others against STDs. A single mistake or lapse of judgment could cost you your health.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks and concerns. Get tested frequently, as some STDs may take months to show up in a screening.

Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, B and HPV.

Use condoms correctly and consistently. Keep in mind that condoms do not fully protect you, but simply reduce the chances of catching an STD.

Remember, safe sex saves lives – yours and the lives of those you care for.

Help Is Only a Phone Call Away

Contracting an STD is no small ordeal; it can have life-altering consequences. If you have contracted a Sexually Transmitted Disease from a partner who neglected to inform you of their illness, you might have a legal case against them and qualify for compensation for your physical, emotional and mental pain. You don’t have to live with the damage of someone else’s mistake. Jessica is a passionate advocate for those who have suffered sexual injustices with years of experience and success defending her clients. Call the offices of Jessica Pride today for compassionate, experienced legal help at 619-995-6829.

Exposure to an STD not only threatens your health, but can also affect your private life. If you have confided in someone who is threatening to expose your private aliment or illness, Jessica Pride is ready to provide sound, professional legal advice free of charge. Call today at for a no-obligation consultation, and discover what you can to do to reclaim your life.